“Principal founder of Beloit College” is the tribute to Stephen Peet, and the college stands as a monument to his memory.

Many years after his death trustees of the institution paid honor: “He was a man to whom, under God, the college is pre-eminently indebted for its existence, and the success of its early history.”

He was born in Vermont, and in his boyhood he lived in Massachusetts. His father died when Stephen was 17 years old. As a boy he was a student, deeply religious and trained in the rigorous principles of Puritan New England. He was graduated from Yale University in 1823.

Three great achievements are credited to his life – the founding of Beloit College, formation of the Presbyterian-Congregational Conference of Wisconsin (the first meeting was held in Beloit), and development of the Chicago Theological Seminary.

An intense interest in the missionary movement, and many meetings of missionary groups attended by him, provided the atmosphere for the college in this community. He was one of the first trustees, then an agent for progress and promotion once the college was under way.

His tireless work influenced educators to become members of the faculty, and it influenced many persons to contribute to the support and operation of the school.

Stephen died March 21, 1855.